Hikes in the Pugu Hills

(for all our hikes we advise to take an escort from the village which we have selected for you and who only requires a small tip)

Although the hiking in the Pugu Forest is for the time being only possible after obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, which process has proven to be a serious challenge, there is still adequate opportunity to have a pleasant stroll around the Pugu Hills. (see above the views along the Kisarawe-Kazimzumbwi hike)

Along the old German Railroad line to Dodoma and Kigoma (Central Line) the cattle of the Sukuma people used to be off loaded from the train for auction. Since 2004 this practice has been discontinued, the three day long journey in the train would often be too long for some of the poor beast. Now they are transported by lorry. Buyers are from Dar es Salaam but also the Comore Islands, Arab countries, and the cattle is transported too the harbor after the deal is made. For making pictures a village escort is advisable which can be provided by Pugu Hills. A small tip for the guide (5,000 to 10,000Tsh) is expected for an escort.

We went to Pugu Hill cattle market, some 20km from the centre of the four Million town of Dar es Salaam, the place where meat enters the town still on four legs. In Tanzania, several breads of cows are bread, some more the light Zebu version, others a lot heavier, with impressively long horns. These horns must be so heavy to carry, the elegant ones bent up site, and the odd ones bent down site, giving the respective cow or bull a rather stupid expression into the face. In the nearby stalls still in the animal compound, Chapati � a kind of a pancake, bandazi � something similar to our dough nuts, and later on in the day Ugali � Polenta - with meat and spinach are prepared in abundant quantities; However, in February 2006, in Pugu Hills there was one remarkable difference to other cattle markets in the world. Animals were so thin that they died on the spot, they refuses to stand up for a last time despite being hit and pinched by a dozen of men � the result of an East African drought, partly man made, partly bad luck; There was even a couple of Maasai with their hopelessly thin cattle. Desperation must have run them to do what they are said to never do: sell their cattle;

Before, the Central railway line was used for the transport, explaining the location of the market, but since 2004 only lorries are allowed to bring in cattle, reducing the travelling time for the poor beasts. Do not go on the market without a guide. Cattle trade is about a lot of money, and the presence of strangers with cameras can render people nervous.

Southern Hills Hike 1-2 hours

There are various options for extended hiking. The Kisarawe Hike is in fact an extension of the Southern Hills hike by following the Pugu Forest boundary which eventually brings you to the district town of Kisarawe (7 KM). There you can either take the daladala or just hike over the tar road back to Pugu Hills (total 12KM). The road has very limited traffic and provides on clear days a beautiful view of Dar es Salaam.

On your way back to Pugu you will pass the Minaki School named after an endemic tree in the are. The originally german farm of the 19th century became an Anglican College, St. Andrew before being taken over by the Government in 1967. read more .....

A pleasant 7 KM round trip around the Kazimzumbwi Hills is a treat for hikers enjoying the countryside. A round trip Kimani - Kazimzumbwi - Kimani (7 KM) requires a transfer from Pugu Hills by car to Kimani.

Without the transfer by car an extra 7 KM needs to be added to the hike.

Starting from Kimani you first walk along the small farms only reachable by foot. After some 1.5 KM you start climbing up the hills towards Kisarawe along the border of the Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve. The views at the still protected part of Pugu Hills are beautiful and the hike through rice fields and fruit orchards will make you forget Dar es Salaam.

Alternatively instead of returning to Kimani you can end your hike in Kisarawe via Kazimzumbwi (7 KM) or direct (4.5 KM) where the daladala can be taken back to "Pugu Hills"